Comparison
Polyjacking vs replacing concrete — which should you choose?
If your concrete is intact but sunken or sloped, polyjacking is faster, cheaper, and less disruptive. Replacement is only worth it when the slab itself is structurally damaged.
Short answer
For 80% of sunken concrete situations in Canadian homes, polyjacking is the right call: it costs 40–60% less, takes hours instead of days, and you can use the surface immediately. Replace only when the concrete itself is broken beyond repair.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Polyjacking Winner | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost (driveway) | $1,500–$3,000 | $5,000–$10,000+ |
| Job duration | 2–4 hours | 2–7 days |
| Cure / wait time | 15 minutes | 3–7 days |
| Demolition required | ||
| Landscape damage | None | Significant |
| Existing concrete preserved | ||
| Solves underlying void | ||
| Warranty | 5–10 years | 1–2 years |
When replacement is the right call
- • Slab is broken into multiple pieces
- • Severe spalling or surface deterioration
- • Rebar is rusted and exposed
- • You want to change the layout, slope, or thickness
- • Slab is 30+ years old and brittle throughout
Real cost example
Calgary homeowner, 600 sq ft sunken driveway:
Polyjacking quote
$2,100
3 hours, drove on it that night
Replacement quote
$7,800
5 days + 4 days cure time
Saved $5,700 — and was back in his garage the same day.
FAQ
Replace when the slab is severely cracked, crumbling, structurally compromised, or older than 30+ years. Lifting only works on intact slabs that have settled.